Air Conditioner Issues

My air conditioner stopped working, the mechanic recommended that I replace the evaporator, receiver/dryer and condenser(total estimate $1,550) because of strong pag oil smell in the cabin. He could not see the leak even-though they placed dye in the system. Has anybody else been through this? The ac worked fine and then just suddenly stopped, and now blows hot air.

 

No doesn't make sence. If there is a freon leak then you should be able to find the leak and just replace the part that is lesking. You don't have to replace all of those items. They are just guessing at what might be leaking. Which then the compressor or a hose may be leaking. Need to find the leak. Or was it even low on freon? Maybe it's just electrical

 

not that i will help but along these lines.... my ac is working, but it's a bit weak. may need to refill freon, not sure what else could be... new to the T4R stuff, 6 mo., do our 3rd gens have a good history for AC stuff? the coldness is a bit weak, not the blower speed. blower is fine, but the coldness isn't strong.. isthat typical or should it be cooler?

 

BearNArms: On my 4runner the AC was ice cold right up until it stop working. I told this to the mechanic and he said that there is a mechanism within the AC system that will shut the whole coolant system down when Freon gets low. So... I think I need to start doing a lot of research, as I plan on keeping my 4runner for awhile.

 

Yeah the low pressure (binary) switch. So if it is low on freon and the pressure drops below usually 5psi the binary switch opens the circuit to the compressor clutch. If this is the case gotta find the leak and repair.

 

alright "cool".. lol. had to do it... never recharged freon, mechanically capable, just rebuilt my 1985 Yamaha Vmax carbs last night. still need to bracket em together and etc etc. install, sync, etc headache! but never recharged freon in any vehicle, couldn't find too much via threads etc.. any tips tricks advice anyone?thnx

 

I had a vehicle that the A/C wasn't working. The shop said I needed to replace the evaporator and with install was going to be almost $2,000. I went to Pep Boys and bought one of those A/C recharge bottles and followed the instructions. A/C worked for two years until I sold it. That was in Puerto Rico so the A/C was used on high daily.

That's my uneducated solution haha.

 

Yeah, I remember how my friend was struggling with his aircon in the car. He wasn't that lucky as you because his car was pretty good. He had to pay 3.500$ because the mechanic should have to change everything there. It seemed that everything was terrible. But, he decided to look better for a better option. After a while, he told me that he just used aircon services. Hmm, I was thinking how an air conditioner company, but it was just for advice. Somehow they did help him because, in the final, he paid 1.700$.

 

Youtube has all kinds of vids shoing how to do a basic recharge. & the cans you buy have instructions on them too, very simple procedure to just add a can of freon.

 

Check the condenser in front of the radiator for leaks. I will be completely upfront here. If it needs a evaporator, it requires the whole dash to be removed. He is lying to you. That job alone is a $2500 job. Mine had a small leak at the lower joint on the drivers side. I was able to replace the condenser myself and recharge it. Take it to another shop and get another opinion.

working on AC is not for beginners. You can get hurt badly if you make the wrong connection. The most common leak is from road debris puncturing the condenser or corrosion.

if the evap is leaking the green dye should be evident where the condensate drips out on the ground under the left side firewall

 

I have a 2005 4runner. The AC went out after 15 years. Replaced the compressor, but evap failed a year later.
Took it to a top AC shop and paid $800 to have a new evaporator installed.

AC has been cooling for months now and it's ice cold.

Sometimes it's better to take it to professionals who have all the knowledge and equipment than to attempt a job yourself. JMHO.